4 out of eleven is not too shabby is it . http://blog.squawka.com/2013/05/22/...la-all-feature/201305229664/debutantxi11#main Ki & De Guzman were the surprises for me ,considering the amount of games that Ki has missed through injury and De Guzman, well just being De Guzman
I am one of de Guzman's biggest critics but I have never questioned his attacking prowess. Credit to him for the stats he has achieved in that context. But what the stats don't show is his lack of work rate and the gaps that appear in our midfield when he goes missing - which is often. Ask Leon. Midfield players also have a duty to defend but JdG seems to think that this is beneath him. The way he almost waves opposition players past him infuriates me and it is an aspect of his game that has to improve. The top clubs insist that EVERY player on the pitch puts in a shift and does their share of the "dirty" work eg Wayne Rooney is a striker but is often seen putting in a tackle deep in his own third. There are many others I could name but you all know who they are and what they do - and not all of them are "star" players either. I suppose I have to concede that if de Guzman was a credible defender, in addition to his attacking ability, he would be valued at a lot more than than the reported £7 million. The thing is, can he be considered as some sort of a luxury when we are under the cosh? There are many better teams than us in the Premier League and there are times when we have to do a lot of defending. On those occasions, JdG is as much use as a chocolate teapot. Perhaps Michael Laudrup might consider using him tactically for certain games. Assuming we do sign him of course. One other point occurs to me in mitigation. We have been playing without a decent striker for a number of games. This means that a lot of de Guzman's good work has not been rewarded with an end product. If we sign a quality striker, or two, to take the load of Michu who has been phenomenal, then we should convert a lot more of de Guzman's assists, which in itself will take the pressure off our defence. I've voiced the opinion that perhaps we shouldn't sign de Guzman but, upon reflection, I'd like to see what a quality striker (in harness with Michu) would do with his service.
agree Ivor with your point about using him tactically. When we play with 3 wingers I'd rather 2 defensive type midfielders (Leon and Canas?), when we play with Michu in the hole then JDG would be a better option. time will tell I guess.
